For the immune system to successfully eradicate tumors, T cells must first penetrate them. Jiang and colleagues found that FAK induces fibrosis. Inhibiting FAK allowed immune cells to infiltrate, greatly increasing the effectiveness of various immuno- and chemotherapies.

Multiple approaches to tumor vaccines are in clinical trials. Kranz and colleagues devised an RNA nanoparticle that, regardless of the antigen, is taken up by DCs. The ensuing innate and adaptive immune responses successfully rejected tumors in an IFNα-dependent process.

Mutations associated with acquired resistance to PD-1 blockade in melanoma

Immune-based cancer therapies are promising, but not always permanent, with potential outgrowth of tumor cells insensitive to the treatment. Genetic analysis of resistance to a checkpoint blockade revealed mutations that led to loss of IFNγ expression or HLA surface expression.